Buildings insurance documents
The certificate is the headline. The schedule shows what was selected.
Read the schedule with the policy wording, endorsements and renewal information. The useful question is not only whether a policy exists, but whether the building, limits, excesses and conditions match the risk being insured.
Ask for the set
Five documents. Five different jobs.
The headline evidence
Usually identifies the insurer, policy number, period and insured property. It rarely contains enough detail for a coverage review.
The selected cover
Lists the insured party, property, sums or limits, excesses, sections, endorsements and other policy-specific details.
The definitions and standard terms
Explains what the schedule's terms mean and sets out exclusions, conditions, claims processes and section limits.
The changes to the standard wording
Adds, removes or changes terms for this risk. Read each endorsement against the section it alters.
What changed this year
Keep the renewal notice, presentation and questions answered so later readers can see the basis on which cover was renewed.
Read the schedule
Twelve checks before filing it away.
Insured name
Does the named party match the actual owner, landlord or management entity that should be insured?
Property
Are the correct building, address, use, construction and any separate blocks described?
Policy period
Confirm start and end dates and keep the previous schedule for comparison.
Declared value and limit
Identify the valuation used, any uplift and when the underlying reinstatement assessment was last reviewed.
Sections and perils
Check which causes of loss and liability sections are included rather than assuming an all-risks label answers everything.
Excesses
Read each peril-specific excess and who bears it under the lease or claims arrangement.
Alternative accommodation
Check the limit, period and definition used for loss of rent or alternative accommodation.
Property owner's liability
Confirm the section exists, its limit and the insured activities or premises it covers.
Conditions
List every inspection, maintenance, security, occupancy or notification condition that needs an operating owner.
Endorsements
Read every bespoke exclusion, restriction or extension and link it back to the base wording.
Terrorism
Confirm whether it is included, excluded or arranged separately and what the lease or lender requires.
Premium and remuneration
Record the total price and the information supplied about commission, fees or other remuneration.
Put uncertainty in writing
Six questions for the broker or insurer.
What changed from last year?
Ask for the change in insurer, terms, limits, excesses, endorsements and premium, not only the new total.
What supports the declared value?
Ask which reinstatement assessment or indexation sits behind it and what review is due next.
Which conditions need active management?
Turn each relevant condition into an owner, record and review date.
How should an incident be notified?
Confirm the route, urgency, evidence and any steps required before repair or disposal.
Who receives what from this placement?
Ask for the commission, fee and other remuneration information supplied for the policy.
Why is this suitable for this building?
Ask how the recommended cover, insurer and price reflect the building's risk and leaseholder interests.
Sources for this page
Open the law and guidance yourself.
The FCA's confirmed protections cover fair value, leaseholder interests and information about policy pricing and commission.
↗FCA reviewBroker remuneration reviewThe FCA's findings on broker remuneration and fair value in multi-occupancy buildings insurance.
↗Detailed guideBuildings insuranceUse the schedule alongside the lease, policy wording, disclosure and claims record.
→Links and current-law position checked 18 August 2026. Apply the governing documents, building facts and current law to the case in front of you.
Take the next step in LEASE-iQ
What must be insured, by whom and at whose cost?
Use this for buildings insurance, policy schedules, excesses, terrorism cover or a claim route.
Keep checking: The lease sets obligations. Only the current policy and insurer can establish the cover actually in force for a claim.
